In the Spring of Things – A Seasonal Trip to Prague

April, May and June are ideal for visiting Prague, one of Europe’s — indeed, the world’s — most beautiful cities. The Czech capital is traversed by the mighty Vltava River and dominated by Prague Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Overlooked by verdant hills, Prague enjoys a wonderful spring, when the hills’ orchards are in full bloom.

From the castle to the Royal Gardens, the Jewish Quarter and Spanish Synagogue to the ultra-modern Dancing House and romantic Wallenstein Palace, Prague is a fabulous city break location. In spring a series of music festivals begins and river cruise ships start their services up again.

Evening river cruises on Vltava River come with dinner and jazz music and the chance to make new friends. A short day-time cruise lasts just one hour but gives you a good first impression of the city’s main sights and attractions while on your Prague holidays.

Hradčany and Lesser Town (Malá Strana)

Stroll across 14th century Charles Bridge, which affords the best views of Prague Castle, Kampa Island and Vltava River. Charles Bridge is home to a multitude of street artists who sell paintings and hand-crafted jewelry to tourists. These make unusual, original souvenirs.

The stroll will also take you past the Franz Kafka Museum and Liechtenstein Palace, ideal for catching an afternoon concert and a cheap snack with the music academy students who study there.

Make your way uphill to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, home to the Czech crown jewels. The castle complex gets very busy: aim to be there by 9.00 am to be first in the queues.

On the opposite hilltop sits Strahov Monastery, founded in 1149. The abbey is still occupied by monks and is famous for its extensive monastic library and the magnificent Theological Hall, boasting rich stucco decorations and paintings from the early 1700s, and the Philosophical Hall, created in 1784 to house another library.

Author: I am a travel writer and photographer from Alberta, Canada. Over my years as a travel photographer, I have visited 6 of the 7 continents and more countries than I have any desire to count. If you want to improve your skills, be sure to check out my travel photography channel on Youtube . Also, check out my profile on Google+. to learn a little bit more about me and my work.